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Cobalt levels in blood

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Feb 28 5:47pm | Replies (36)

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@moonunit3424

So I had 2 hips replaced w/ Stryker COLBALT/Cr parts 8 yrs ago then 2 yrs later , the 2nd hip.
In 10/2021, I had back hip pain and the Ortho (my hip doc) took X-rays and blood tests, I was at 5.2, then 4.6 (2/2022) , then 4.7 (1/2023)
My cardio doc said yesterday , COLBALT levels are NOT good for the heart and cause other issues. I already have a low ejection fraction 45, had (a-Fib) 13 yrs. ago, had cardio ablation to fix , on meds now.
I have constant Tinnitus and memory has not been great recently (I'm 61)
I keep monitoring every 3 mos. but what should I do, get a lawyer !

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Replies to "So I had 2 hips replaced w/ Stryker COLBALT/Cr parts 8 yrs ago then 2 yrs..."

Hello, and welcome to Mayo Connect. We are patients and caregivers who share our experiences. Mine was with a different brand of hip, and required replacement of both implants of 5 years to restore my health.

I have recently learned that how blood is tested can impact the results. The "gold standard" is to test the serum, not whole blood, for metal levels. Chromium should also be tested, and you should always have the same test, using the same lab.
Here is what I found about cobalt levels:
"Cobalt levels are determined by micrograms per liter of blood. If a patient has between 1-5 micrograms per liter, he might experience heart and memory issues. If there are more than 7, the patient might feel hip pain and have either tissue necrosis or pseudotumors. "

So with your symptoms and heart history, you may need a new revision surgeon if the original one doesn't see that you have a problem. Also, additional imaging will show if there is damage to the tissue surrounding your hip.

Don't back off - you will need to be your own advocate in this matter, but it will take work.

What, exactly did the ortho say about your pain and/or metal levels? And it is important to get the exact name of your implants from him to figure out your next best steps, as it has been shown over time that some have a much higher risk level than others.
Sue